In-Home · San Mateo

A small home program that lives outdoors.

Our original program, in the house where our family began. Twelve children at most, three teachers, and about three-quarters of the day spent outside, playing, learning and eating together in the backyard. Naps happen inside, in quiet, cozy rooms.

  • 601 Rand St
  • Mon to Fri, 8 AM to 5 PM
  • 3 months to 5 years
  • 1:4 ratio, 12 children
  • License 414002137
The In-Home backyard and play structureChildren and a teacher smiling togetherRaised garden beds
Life outside

An outdoor program at heart.

Most of the day happens in our backyard: activities, free play, and breakfast, lunch and snack at the outdoor table. Children come inside to nap, and spend the rest of the day digging, pedaling, planting and exploring in the fresh air. It's the part of the day they love most.

  • A garden with raised beds
  • A bike track
  • A sandbox
  • A play structure
  • Meals at the outdoor table
  • Walks to nearby parks
The playhouse in the In-Home backyard
¾of the day
outside

What's included at In-Home.

The essentials, at a glance. Open any item for the details.

A 1:4 ratio, at every age

Twelve children at most, cared for by three teachers who are there every day, so every child is genuinely known.

Mixed ages together

Younger children learn by watching, and older ones practice patience and kindness.

Spanish woven through the day

Meals, play and routines all happen in Spanish, gently and naturally.

Home-cooked meals

Breakfast, lunch and snack are cooked in the house, drawn from the food our family grew up on, and usually enjoyed at the outdoor table. Pupusas are a favorite.

Updates on WhatsApp and Brightwheel

Photos and notes straight from teachers, plus a group where families get to know one another.

Parents' Night Out, twice a year

We stay open until 8 PM so you can have an evening to yourselves. Included for every In-Home family.

Licensed family daycare

License 414002137, with teachers CPR and health and safety certified.

Help with tuition

In-Home takes part in the 4Cs of San Mateo County Alternative Payment Program for families who qualify. See how it works.

A house, not a facility.

Rooms that feel like rooms, a backyard full of things to do, and the ordinary comfort of a home around the children.

The playroom
The playroom
The living room
The living room
The dinosaur mural room
The dinosaur room
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Meet the In-Home team.

The same familiar faces, every day, in their own words.

Graciela “Tía” Tejada

Director

Graciela “Tía” Tejada

I was born and raised in El Salvador and emigrated to the United States as a young adult. Since then I married Miguel, had three beautiful kids of our own, and earned my degree at SFSU (Go Gators!).

With more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education and a BA in Child and Adolescent Development, it may be no surprise that I just love helping little kids grow and reach their potential. Aside from teaching, I love trying new restaurants with my family, traveling, and going on long walks.

Miguel Tejada

Lead Teacher

Miguel Tejada

My story is really similar to Graciela's. In fact, we actually met in high school in El Salvador! Before joining Mi Second Casa, I was a manager at Xerox for more than 10 years.

After a while I knew I wanted something more, so I joined full time as a teacher and haven't looked back since. I enjoyed it so much that I went to Cañada College for 24 units in Early Childhood Education. When I'm not working you'll find me watching a Warriors game or fishing with my kids.

Maestra Sandra

Teacher Aide

Maestra Sandra

My name is Maestra Sandra, and I bring over 10 years of experience working with young children in preschool programs in Guatemala. I also hold an Associate's degree in Education.

I love creating a warm, welcoming classroom where children feel safe, confident and excited to learn. As a native Spanish speaker, I'm very happy to be part of the Spanish immersion environment here.

Teacher Aide

Maestra Julissa

¡Hola familias! My name is Maestra Julissa, and I'm so happy to be part of the Mi Second Casa community. I first worked with the program in its early days as an in-home daycare in the late 2000s, and it means a lot to be part of its growth today.

I'm originally from Guatemala and am a proud mother to my daughter. I especially love spending time with the babies and young children, helping them feel safe, cared for and happy.

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How a day goes.

The same rhythm as our center, at the pace of a home, and mostly outdoors.

Our mixed-age group

Ages 3 months to 5 years

8:00 – 9:30
Arrivals, free play and breakfast outside
9:30 – 10:30
Circle time and a teacher-led activity
10:30 – 12:00
Outdoor play: the garden, sandbox and bike track, or a walk to a nearby park
12:00 – 1:00
Lunch at the outdoor table, cooked in the house
1:00 – 3:00
Nap time inside, and quiet time
3:00 – 3:30
Snack
3:30 – 4:45
Outdoor play
4:45 – 5:00
Circle time and pick-up

Come and sit with us a while.

The best way to know an in-home program is to spend twenty minutes inside it. Would classrooms grouped by age suit your child better? Explore the Center.